Jarvan jogged as steady as he could, careful not to impact the ground too hard and jolt Shyvana's unconscious form. Several hours had passed since their battle with Ralous, Jarvan figured his men wouldn't reach Garet for a few more hours still, and then a day, perhaps more, until reinforcements arrived to extricate them from Char.
Jarvan could make out a dark brown structure, stone by the sight of it, through the forests edge.
My lance is still back in that forest Jarvan noted to himself as he quickened his pace, arms burning from carrying Shyvana. As he broke the forests edge, Jarvan could see the building clearly, it looked like an inn or tavern of sorts with its many windows and great size.
Jarvan realized that he was not carrying any coin on him, let alone what this town used as its currency.
Quite the bind, no coin and no connections in this town Jarvan's thoughts trailed off as he heard a groan escape from Shyvana. He slowed his pace as he looked down upon Shyvana, noticing that her arm had stopped dripping blood through the saturated cloth.
I'll have to sell my armor Jarvan resolved to himself as he crossed around the building he had eyed earlier, noting the distinct sign above an entry designating it a tavern. The wooden door swung open to allow a few patrons of the tavern to stumble out, Jarvan waited for them to clear the threshold fully before turning so that he could fit through the door while carrying Shyvana.
The tavern was about what Jarvan had expected, most of the seats at the bar were filled by locals unwinding after their days. In the corner Jarvan saw a staircase, one that likely led to the taverns lodging.
A decrepit old man with only wisps of white hair approached Jarvan and smiled a mostly toothless smile, and then his eyes traced along Shyvana's form and rested on the injury to her arm. The smile faded, and the man spoke in a slightly off Noxian accent "take 'er up the stairs, first room on the right. I'll have some supplies brought up for yer lady young fella', free of charge".
Jarvan could only nod his sincere thanks as he ascended the stairs, careful not to bounce Shyvana and aggravate her condition. As the innkeeper had said, the first door on the right was open and vacant.
Jarvan entered the small room and noticed a musty smell, not to mention its size being barely big enough for the bed and small nightstand next to it. He lowered Shyvana onto the bed. Jarvan's arms burned with relief as they were alleviated of their burden. His arms were well muscled, but prolonged physical labor was not what Jarvan had trained for.
I'll have to leave her alone for a time Jarvan thought as he tried to figure out a way to secure some clothing and perhaps a few weapons that didn't involve leaving Shyvana alone in some forsaken Noxian town.
The entire tavern must have noticed us when I walked in, they may try something if they see me leave Jarvan thought to himself as he turned to the window in the room and opened it to let some fresh air in. I could ask the innkeeper to try and sell my armor...bad idea, this armor is probably worth a lifetimes wage for him, he may pocket the money and flee Jarvan concluded, casually glancing out the window as he pondered more options.
I could jump out this window when the street clears, it can't be more than ten feet Jarvan thought to himself as he gauged the grounds distance and weighed the chances of landing wrong and injuring himself; he'd be useless guarding Shyvana then.
His armor was made specifically for him, and thus, fit like a second skin I've got to land this right. Better wait and see if that innkeeper is good on his word and brings some supplies. Jarvan felt like pacing, but the cramped room wouldn't allow anything but a few steps in either direction, so he slowly lowered himself onto the bed.
He watched Shyvana's chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm An excellent sign, she is recovering quickly Jarvan noted, slightly relieved. Sensing he was being watched, Jarvan turned towards the door to see the innkeeper with a tray of food and some first aid supplies.
"It don't be any business of mine, but what's a Demacian doin' so close to Noxus" the innkeeper asked as he laid the tray down at the door. Jarvan decided that the less this man knew, the better, so he responded "I was hunting large game, accidents happen" as he rose from the bed to collect the food and aid.
"Very well, do be careful in the future" the innkeeper said as he shot a look of concern towards Shyvana and to leave. Jarvan spoke up "your kindness won't go without consequences, I promise you" causing the innkeeper to bow deeply as he shut the door.
Jarvan set the tray down on the table and opened the small aid kit. Inside he found some gauze and what looked like a bottle of disinfectant. He uncorked the bottle and inhaled, catching the sharp smell of alcohol.
Jarvan grabbed Shyvana's wrist and lifted her arm into the air and unwrapped the makeshift bandage. The wound was deep and covered with clotted blood, but was mostly superficial, Ralous had missed puncturing the deep veins and arteries.
Jarvan grabbed a cloth from the kit, doused it in the disinfectant and started cleaning the wound. Shyvana began to quietly moan. Jarvan set the bloody rag aside and took a clean cloth from the supplies that were given to him. He paused, after his eyes swept across Shyvana's face.
Is she awake? I could have sworn her eyes were just slightly open and watching Jarvan silently wondered to himself. Deciding not to wonder on idle matters, Jarvan lifted Shyvana's arm up and slid the cloth underneath; he grabbed the two ends and tied them, tightening the knot down along the wound. That will do for now Jarvan thought to himself, satisfied with his work.
Now to see to this supply issue Jarvan thought as he came up to the window and watched the street below, waiting for an opportunity to arise. As he watched the pedestrians below, and some watching him, a thought occurred to him how stupid of me, I'll just take off the armor before I jump Jarvan mentally reprimanded himself for his lack of foresight.
He released the clasps of his armor and slowly lowered his protection one piece at a time to the wooden floor, lastly removing his headpiece and setting it with the rest, leaving Jarvan in his simple white cloth shirt and pants.
That piece will have to stay, it will mark me as someone of importance. Too many have seen it as is the prince of Demacia concluded. Jarvan patiently waited, watching the inhabitants of Char go about their business. An hour had passed and it was getting close to sunset. The street finally cleared, Jarvan wasted no time and began to drop his armor down onto the dirt street one piece at a time.
With his armor waiting below, Jarvan perched himself on the windowsill and looked down the street before pushing himself off the ledge. He landed and let his legs fold as he rolled onto the ground, making a successful and injury-free landing.
Jarvan stood and gathered his armor and headed for a building that had a shield on a hanging sign on the street corner.
